Sandestin Ferris Wheel 'tabled'

After almost a year of meetings, applications and waiting, Sandestin owner Tom Becnel has "tabled" the proposed Ferris wheel for now.

"Mr. Becnel has 'tabled' the Ferris wheel project so he can attend to other items," said Laurie Hobbs, director of public relations and marketing at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

The one-time Coney Island attraction has been stored unassembled on Becnel's Sandestin Resort property while it was awaiting review from Walton County Technical Review Committee (TRC) as a minor development. In a July 9 BCC meeting, Commissioner Cindy Meadows proposed that the Ferris wheel come before the BCC in public session. The next day, the Design Review Board voted to have the wheel reviewed as a major development.

Meadows and Sandestin homeowners argued that the 60-foot ride was a "skyline dominating issue."

William Godwin, president of the Gateway at Baytowne Wharf Condominium Association, which opposed the project, was pleased with the news.

"This bodes well for the future in that plans of this magnitude can be discussed between all parties that have an interest in such matters prior to attempted implementation,” he said.